Peat moss is non-living fibrous material that is formed when some living organisms and mosses get decomposed in peat bogs. It takes decades for peat moss to form and they develop less than a millimeter in one year. As the process is very slow, peat moss is not considered a renewable resource.
Peat moss became a common garden material ever since the mid-1900 and after that it was renowned to grow plants. It has an outstanding ability to manage water efficiency and has capacity to hold nutrients. Peat moss has many benefits, it is economical, improves the water and nutrient absorption and it enhances the soil quality. However, peat moss also has some drawbacks, which is the reason why alternatives for peat moss is required –
- Peat moss is composed mostly of moss and the decomposition occurs in the absence of air, which basically slows down the decomposition.
- It takes many years for peat moss to form; since the process is slow peat moss isn’t considered a renewable resource. Some wetland experts say that since a peat bog takes thousands of years to evolve, once destroyed it can never be fully reclaimed.
- Peat harvesting is not considered as suitable industry as it takes thousands of years to form peat and mainly peat harvesting releases lots of carbon in the atmosphere.
- It is virtually devoid of nutrients.
Alternative to Peat Moss
Below Given is the List of the Top Alternatives to Peat Moss
1. Coconut Fiber
Coconut fiber helps soil to grip and retain moisture. You can buy coconut fiber as dry crushed brick form which can be stored precisely in the garden shed until you add water to them and mix them with soil for further usage.
2. Leaf Mold
Leaf mold is a product when the leaves get naturally degenerated. Shredding the leaves helps them break down into humus quickly and you don’t need an expensive shredder over them as the lawnmower will do the same.
3. Pine Needles
Pine needle mulch is widespread where pine trees are abundant, but flower growers can use pine needles as a soil modification too. The acidity of pine needles is especially beneficial to help flowers to thrive, including azaleas, lilies, marigolds, and rhododendrons.
4. Coir
Coir is a normal product extracted from the husk of the coconut waste from processing. Coir is odorless, pleasant to handle, has a great water holding capacity, is lightweight and holds nutrients well. Coir also has suitable PH and EC levels, making it the best alternative to peat moss.
Thus, it can be said that apart from peat moss there are many ways to nourish your garden soil and replenish your plants.
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